Forestry SHSM
Forests are ecosystems, resources, and workplaces. Your Forestry SHSM develops skills in sustainable management, safety, and environmental stewardship. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada complements this outdoor focus—adding structure for goal-setting, physical challenge, and meaningful reflection.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Forestry certifications (chainsaw safety, tree identification), sustainable forestry practices, wildlife management training, and forestry industry placements.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll develop my forestry knowledge by spending about an hour each week on SHSM training in tree identification, sustainable practices, and safety. By the end, I want to be able to identify at least 10 native tree species and explain sustainable forestry practices.
Example Assessor:
SHSM Lead Teacher or Forestry Industry Partner
Example Log for ORB:
Today I learned to identify five different trees by their bark, leaves, and growth patterns. I used a field guide to check my answers and it really helped. Next week, I’ll learn about tree health indicators and sustainable harvesting methods.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Hiking, outdoor conditioning, trail navigation, physical preparation for forestry work, and endurance building for field activities.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
For the next 13 weeks, I’ll build my outdoor fitness by spending about an hour each week hiking, doing trail work, or conditioning exercises. I want to be able to hike longer distances while carrying gear. I’ll track my distance and how I feel each week.
Example Assessor:
Outdoor Education Teacher, Trail Guide, or SHSM Lead Teacher
Example Log for ORB:
Today I hiked 5 km on a trail with hills while carrying a daypack. I managed my pace better on the inclines this time. Next week, I’ll increase the distance and practice navigating with a compass.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Tree planting initiatives, trail maintenance volunteering, conservation projects, park stewardship, and environmental education programs.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer about an hour each week helping with forestry conservation efforts like tree planting, trail maintenance, or park stewardship. I’ll track how many trees I plant and what I learn about conservation.
Example Assessor:
Conservation Authority Supervisor or Park Volunteer Coordinator
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped plant 15 native tree seedlings, learning the right planting depth and spacing. I worked more efficiently with the planting tool this time. Next week, I’ll help clear trails and learn about invasive species removal.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
A forestry exploration where your team hikes through managed forests and natural woodlands, learning about sustainable forestry practices, tree identification, and forest ecosystems. You’ll connect with forestry professionals and understand how forests are managed for conservation and industry.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day hiking journey covering at least 15 km through forested areas. We’ll identify at least 15 tree species, learn about sustainable forestry management, and reflect together on forestry careers and how we navigated challenging terrain as a team.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Forestry Professional, or Conservation Authority Staff
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Hiking through working forests helped us understand how forestry balances conservation and industry. We got better at taking turns leading navigation on difficult trails. Next time, we’d bring better tree identification guides and arrange to meet with forestry workers on site.
Career Pathways
- landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
- biologists and related scientists
- forestry professionals
- land surveyors
- Aerospace engineers 2146
- Industrial designers 2252
- Urban and land use planners 2153
- chain saw and skidder operators
- logging and forestry labourers
- nursery and greenhouse workers
- silviculture and forestry workers
